Breast Procedures: Breast Lift

A breast lift raises the existing breasts through a process that removes excess skin. The procedure tightens the surrounding tissue. Through this process, the breasts are reshaped.

Breast lifts provide a more youthful appearance to breasts that may have changed over time due to aging, breastfeeding, pregnancy, other weight fluctuations, heredity factors and even gravity. Over time, a woman's breasts change, losing firmness and shape. A breast lift can help restore confidence in appearance.

What happens during a breast lift?

Dr. Collis will discuss the best options for anesthesia to maintain comfort throughout the procedure. A breast lift consists of three common patterns for incision:

• Around the outside of the areola

• Around the outside of the areola, and vertically down towards the crease of the breast

• Around the outside of the areola, vertically down at the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease

After Dr. Collis makes the decided-upon incisions, the breast tissue underneath is then lifted and reshaped to improve breast firmness and shape. The areola and nipple are placed in a position that offers a perkier height that looks natural. Large areolas are then reduced during the process through excising skin at the perimeter. Loss of elasticity is compensated for through removal of excess breast skin.

After the patient's breasts are reshaped, the excess skin is removed. The skin that remains is tightened while the incisions are sealed. The incision lines are going to be permanent but will fade over time.

Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

Patients will receive a recommendation from Dr. Collis on the incisions that best suit their anatomy.

What happens during breast lift recovery?

Breast lift results are immediately evident. The final results of the breast lift will show over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle.

The results of breast lift surgery will be long-lasting. Over time, breasts can continue to change due to natural factors such as aging and gravity. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle will help retain the new look longer.